a pattern of abuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pattern of abuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a repeated or systematic occurrence of abusive behavior, often in contexts related to relationships, social issues, or legal matters. Example: "The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse within the organization that needed to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We proved a pattern of abuse of this girl — beating, tying her down, starving her".

The New York Times

Federal authorities are investigating whether a pattern of abuse exists at the jail.

The New York Times

The Globe's investigation helped unveil a pattern of abuse by Catholic priests on a global scale.

The Guardian

"It sure sounds to me," Ms. Altmann said, "like there is a pattern of abuse".

The New York Times

The Justice Department is investigating whether a pattern of abuse exists at the jail.

The New York Times

The F.C.C. called Columbia's lapses serious violations that "constitute a pattern of abuse".

The New York Times

This would mean judges examining the totality of an offender's behaviour to determine whether there was a pattern of abuse.

The Guardian

Det Supt John Macdonald, of the Metropolitan police, said: "Unfortunately this is a pattern of abuse we are increasingly seeing.

The Guardian

That unease only intensified with three notorious cases that, for many, seemed to form a pattern of abuse.

The New York Times

But as of Saturday, half a dozen more women have come forward, alleging a pattern of abuse across Ailes' career.

The Guardian

But it fits with Chen Guangcheng's telephone statement to a US congressional hearing earlier this week in which he reported a "pattern of abuse" against his relatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the context when using this phrase, as it carries significant weight and can evoke strong emotional responses.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a pattern of abuse" without providing concrete examples or details. Vague accusations can weaken your argument and undermine the seriousness of the issue.

Linguistic Context

"A pattern of abuse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a recurring series of harmful or wrongful actions. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, from legal investigations to personal relationships, supporting its role in identifying repeated misconduct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pattern of abuse" is a noun phrase used to describe recurring harmful actions. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed, particularly in news and media. The phrase suggests systematic misconduct that requires attention and accountability. When writing about this topic, providing specific examples strengthens the impact of your statement. Alternative phrases include "a cycle of abuse" or "systematic abuse". Ludwig examples underscore the versatility and importance of this phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cycle of abuse

Emphasizes the repetitive and cyclical nature of the abusive behavior.

repeated abuse

Focuses on the repetition of abusive acts.

systematic abuse

Highlights the organized and methodical nature of the abuse.

a history of abuse

Implies a record or past occurrences of abuse.

ongoing abuse

Stresses that the abuse is currently happening and continuous.

chronic abuse

Indicates that the abuse is persistent and long-lasting.

consistent abuse

Suggests a steady and unwavering pattern of abusive behavior.

a course of abuse

Presents the abuse as a sequence of events unfolding over time.

a regimen of abuse

Conveys a structured and controlled system of abusive acts.

a recurrence of abuse

Highlights that the abuse is happening again after a period of absence.

FAQs

How can I use "a pattern of abuse" in a sentence?

You can use "a pattern of abuse" to describe a series of repeated harmful actions. For example, "The investigation revealed "a pattern of abuse" within the organization".

What are some alternatives to "a pattern of abuse"?

Alternatives include "a cycle of abuse", "repeated abuse", or "systematic abuse", each carrying slightly different connotations.

What distinguishes "a pattern of abuse" from an isolated incident?

"A pattern of abuse" implies multiple instances of mistreatment over time, whereas an isolated incident is a single occurrence. The key difference is the repetition and systematic nature of the behavior.

Is "a pattern of abuse" a legal term?

While not exclusively a legal term, "a pattern of abuse" is often used in legal contexts to describe repeated harmful behavior that may constitute grounds for legal action or intervention.